A little note from my blanket . . .

Golden sunlight filtered through temple columns, ducks chattered on the lake, and the scent of spring blossoms drifted on the breeze. This postcard comes to you from the postcard, Stourhead, the kind of place that feels like it’s been waiting centuries for your blanket.

Tucked into the rolling Wiltshire countryside, Stourhead is a masterpiece of 18th-century landscape design. With its sweeping lake, classical temples, winding paths, and ancient trees, it’s hard to believe this was ever someone’s back garden. A picnic here feels like stepping into a painting — or perhaps a period drama.

We laid our blanket near the Pantheon, where the lake curls just enough to reflect the Palladian bridge and the dome’s silhouette. Swans glided past as if choreographed. It’s not just scenic — it’s cinematic.

For this postcard-worthy picnic, I went full Regency romance. Here’s what we packed:

Crusty sourdough from a local bakery
Somerset brie and caramelised onion chutney
Pork pie slices and a Scotch egg (of course!)
A thermos of earl grey with a dash of honey
Strawberries and cream (carried in a jar for safety!)
Lemon drizzle loaf — slightly squashed, but still worthy of applause

All served on a gingham blanket with a couple of enamel mugs and a bunch of daffodils picked from the garden that morning.

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Picnic Tip from this Postcard

Arrive early. Stourhead is magical at any time, but it glows before the crowds arrive. Plus, you’ll nab the best picnic spots with views that feel like private property.

Need to Know

📍 Location: Stourhead Gardens, near Mere, Wiltshire

🚗 How to Get There: Follow signs from the A303. National Trust parking available on-site.

🚻 Facilities: Toilets, café, gift shop, second-hand bookshop

🌤️ Best Time to Visit: Spring for the rhododendrons and blossom; autumn for the golden leaves

🧃 Local Food Tip: Stop at Teals (just off the A303) for picnic supplies, local cheese, and the best cinnamon buns around.

Until the Next Picnic Postcard . . .

There’s something deliciously grounding about a picnic in a place like Stourhead. The grandeur of the setting reminds you how simple pleasures — bread, tea, a view — can feel utterly luxurious when shared outdoors.

If this inspired you to roll out a blanket at your own local gem, let me know in the comments or tag me using #PicnicPostcards on Instagram.

Until the next crumb-filled adventure,

Love, Gemma xx